ROCHESTER, Mich. – Check out this inside look at the latest news about the Oakland women's basketball team, student-athletes and staff on and off the court.
SEASON REWIND:
Despite the many challenges that COVID-19 placed on the us all, 2020-21 was a solid foundation to build on and 2021-22 looks to be even better.
WE'RE BACK!!
The 2021-22 squad is officially back on campus and putting in the work!! The motto for the season is BE US!! To kick off summer workouts, the team welcomed Sam Cila from The Program Athletics to take part in their Judgement Day bootcamp with the goal in mind…One Team…One Heartbeat!!
Gallery: (7-21-2021) Oakland WBB The Program Judgement Day
NEW FAMILY MEMBERS:
Frank Goldsberry – Assistant Coach:
Goldsberry, who brings more than 40 years of coaching experience, comes to the Golden Grizzlies after spending the past two seasons as an Assistant Coach at Loyola.
"Frank's resume speaks for itself. He is a proven winner and one of the finest post coaches in the country," said Tungate. "He genuinely cares for people and his work ethic is second to none. We are extremely fortunate to have Frank and his wife Paula as members of the Golden Grizzly family."
Last season, Goldsberry helped guide Loyola to the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament semifinals followed by a berth in the Women's Basketball Invitational (WBI) Tournament. Under his direction, five student-athletes earned All-MVC honors including Alison Day, Ellie Rice, Sitori Tanin, Bre Hamton-Bey, and MVC Freshman of the Year, Maya Chandler.
"I appreciate Coach Tungate giving me the opportunity to help make a difference with the women's basketball program," said Goldsberry. "I have been impressed with the effort, focus, energy and camaraderie displayed by the student-athletes and coaches towards the goal of reaching the top of the Horizon League and I am ready to be a part of the journey!"
Prior to his time at Loyola Goldsberry had a successful two-year stint as an assistant coach at Miami (Ohio). During Goldsberry's time in Oxford, Ohio, the RedHawks posted consecutive 20-plus win seasons (44-20 overall) earning back-to-back Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) berths in 2018 and 2019. Five student-athletes earned All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) accolades over that stretch, led by two-time First Team selection Lauren Dickerson.
Sierra Girton – Director of Sports Performance:
Girton comes to the Golden Grizzlies from Georgia Southern University where she served as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach and Sports Dietitian.
"We are really excited to have Sierra join our program. It is very unique, for a program at the mid-major level, to have someone whose entire energy can be devoted to the strength and conditioning of our women's basketball student-athletes," said Tungate. "This will have a significant impact on our team, our recruiting, and our success. Sierra came very highly recommended and was very impressive throughout the entire hiring process. She puts the players first, has a passion for the game of basketball, and will work tirelessly to help our players succeed. I look forward to getting our players back for the summer and having them start to work with Sierra."
During her time at Georgia Southern, Girton was responsible for all strength and conditioning aspects for the women's basketball, softball, swimming and diving, men's soccer and women's tennis teams. In addition, she also counseled student-athletes on developing healthy and consistent eating habits and created educational content and infographics to educate them about different nutrition topics.
"I knew from the moment I met the coaching staff and team captains, this was the perfect fit for me and what they were looking for in this position," said Girton. "I'm beyond excited to have the opportunity to help elevate this program to the next level and be a part of the Oakland women's basketball family atmosphere."
Prior to her time at Georgia Southern, Girton was a Strength and Conditioning Intern at Purdue assisting with softball, men's tennis, men's basketball, track and field and men's golf team lifts. She also served as the Strength and Conditioning Intern at Kentucky helping with softball, gymnastics, and men's and women's swimming team lifts.
A SPECIAL GUEST:
Detroit Pistons combo guard/forward Josh Jackson paid a special visit to the O'rena for a Q and A session with both the men's and women's basketball teams.
Gallery: (7-15-2021) Josh Jackson Visit to the O'rena
IT'S ALL ABOUT LEADERSHIP:
1990 All-American, 2011 Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor inductee, and Golden Grizzlies Champion Club member, Ann Serra-Lowney stopped by to talk leadership with
Kahlaijah Dean and
Breanne Beatty.
FORE!!
The team spent a day on the golf course for the Patrick A. Tooman Golden Grizzlies Golf Classic to meet and great all the wonderful participants who came out to support Oakland University Athletics.
Gallery: (7-19-2021) Oakland WBB at Patrick A. Tooman GGGC
ON THE ROAD AGAIN:
Coach Blanton and Coach Davis have been on the road in search of future Golden Grizzly ballers!!
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